U.S. Sen. Joseph Lieberman says he will continue to sit on the sidelines as Tuesday’s primaries to determine which candidates will compete to fill his seat approach.
Lieberman hosted a conference Thursday morning in New Haven to discuss the health of Long Island Sound along with Gov. Dannel P. Malloy and fellow U.S. Sen. Richard Blumenthal.
In response to a question about endorsing one of the four candidates seeking to fill his seat, Lieberman said he is staying out of it.
“This is the first time in 40 years I haven’t been running for office or involved in electoral politics and I think that chapter of my life is over,’ Lieberman said. “This is a time where I think the best thing is to not be involved and focus on helping my successor make a smooth transition into office.”
As he has stated in the past, Lieberman once again noted his longtime friendship with former Republican U.S. Rep. Christopher Shays, but said all the candidates are capable of filling the seat he has held since he was elected in 1988.
Shays is currently trailing the Republican Party-endorsed candidate and former WWE wrestling executive Linda McMahon in the polls. On the Democratic side, U.S. Rep. Chris Murphy is facing a challenge from former secretary of the state Susan Bysiewicz.
“I suppose if I thought one of them was incapable of doing the job I would say something,” Lieberman said. “Other than that I’m enjoying the summer.”